You’ve Started Your Business – Now What?

You did it! Your dreams of starting your own business have finally been realized. Any new business owner will tell you that this can only be achieved through careful research and planning. This typically involves creating a detailed business plan and marketing strategy and investing quite a bit of time and money (not to mention a lot of blood, sweat and tears)to get your doors open for business. You’ve started your business – Now what?

Many people reach out to The Small Business Centre for advice and guidance on how to get started. What they often overlook is that The Small Business Centre is not only a resource for them at the beginning of their journey; but long after their doors have opened. Once your business has overcome the hurdles of the start-up, we are there for your business to grow and succeed well into the future.

To run a small business successfully, you have to go through a thorough planning process, promote constantly, manage effectively, and align yourself with the right people. While it can be very rewarding there will be many times when you will faced with many challenges and feel all alone. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The Small Business Centre is here to support you by providing the tools, resources and encouragement you need to keep moving forward with your business. There are many ways we can assist you. As an existing business you may be looking at transitioning from a home-based business to a store-front office, applying for your first loan, hiring your first employee or redefining your business plan and growth strategy. Remember, the Small Business Centre is here to support you. The services we offer include:

Consultations – Complimentary one-on-one consultations with experienced business advisors to discuss your business and any specific issues or assistance you may require. Last year The Small Business Centre provided 900 consultations and nearly half of these were with existing small businesses looking for advice and support to help sustain and grow their businesses.

Continued Business Plan Support – Business Advisors are on hand to help you with your specific questions related to developing a customized business plan for your business. An independent point of view can help you to refine your plan and can help identify gaps, inconsistencies, and areas that need to be strengthened.

Access to Professionals – Through our Access to Professionals service, you can connect with accountants, lawyers and other experts on specific business related issues. If you have been in business for several years these meetings are a great way for you to get answers and advice on specific issues and challenges you may face as a business owner.

Business Resource Centre – Our on-site resource centre has information on government programs, statistical data, trade organizations, demographics and market research sources, and a number of other publications useful to small business. Also, find up-to-date, leading-edge information all geared to the needs of the entrepreneur.

Research Assistance – Research assistance is available to help you access information on government programs and services to help you with your business. Assistance is also available to help you source marketing and trade information as well as sourcing suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and potential customers.

Workshops/Seminars and Networking Opportunities – The Small Business Centre offers various seminars, through which you can educate yourself on a variety of small business topics. Information workshops/seminars are designed to teach you everything you need to know about not only starting up, but operating and growing your business your business!

Networking Events – Networking events are designed to encourage small business owners like you to network amongst your peers, enabling you to meet new contacts, promote your business and exchange ideas and experiences as well as meet new service providers and form strategic alliances.

At the end of the day, it is essential to continually re-evaluate your company’s operations and strategies. By using such resources as The Small Business Centre, you will learn to have specific checks and balances to ensure that you see a healthy growth pattern for many years. Take advantage of a few or all of the services that we offer and consider us a partner in your success. The Small Business Centre is here to help your business grow and thrive into the future.

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